After statements by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz about possible assistance to Ukraine in developing long-range weapons and the lifting of restrictions on the use of Western weapons on Russian territory, another wave of panic and aggression began in Moscow.
Putin’s press secretary Dmitry Peskov accused the German authorities of “provoking war,” calling Merz’s initiatives “dangerously irresponsible.” Meanwhile, Russian propaganda hypocritically continues to appeal for a “peaceful settlement.”.
But the most odious reaction was from the Kremlin’s chief propagandist, Margarita Simonyan. She wrote on her Telegram channel that “Moscow offices” were already discussing strikes on Germany:
“If the German military strikes Moscow with German weapons (…), then we have nothing left to do but strike Berlin,” Simonyan said.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova also joined the discussion. This time, her emotions were aroused by the words of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who stated that NATO weapons could be used to strike deep into Russia. Zakharova accused Kyiv of “terror against the civilian population,” repeating the rhetoric that is already familiar to Russia, in which the aggressor tries to portray itself as a victim.
The day before, Friedrich Merz confirmed that restrictions on the use of Western weapons, which for a long time prohibited Kyiv from striking at Russian territory, were lifted several months ago:
“Ukraine has the right to use the weapons it receives, even beyond its borders,” the chancellor said.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, on the other hand, stated that he had not yet received official confirmation of the change in the partners' position, but would discuss this personally with Merz during his visit to Germany on May 28.
The Kremlin's reaction proves once again that any steps by the West in support of Ukraine provoke hysterical threats and attempts at intimidation in Russia. But now, when Ukraine has a real chance of getting permission to strike deep into Russia, these threats look more like an admission of fear of responsibility.
